Such news will cheers Schalke fans who have endured a drop from second to seventh place in the Bundesliga over recent weeks, as well as an early cup exit at the hands of Mainz.

It will further frustrate Arsene Wenger though, who was said to be very keen on adding a proven goalscorer of Huntelaar's quality to his misfiring frontline.

With his contract expiring in June, Schalke had feared that the striker - who netted 48 goals in 48 games last season - would walk away for free in the summer, and had been preparing to sell him in January had he stalled further on a new deal.

Instead, WAZ now report that he will stay at the Veltins Arena, with coveted teammate Lewis Holtby also said to be close to a decision on his future.